Pubgoers to be given choice to prove age with phones next year in boost for high street and hospitality sectors
- New digital age verification system to be introduced in 2024
- Customers will be able to use smartphone apps to prove their age
- Move expected to boost high street and hospitality sectors by reducing queues and improving customer experience
The government has today (21 December 2024) announced plans to introduce a new digital age verification system that will allow pubgoers to prove their age using their smartphones.
The system, which will be introduced in 2024, will use facial recognition technology to verify a customer’s age. Customers will be able to download a smartphone app and create a digital ID, which will then be used to scan their face and verify their age when they purchase alcohol.
The move is expected to boost the high street and hospitality sectors by reducing queues and improving customer experience. It will also help to prevent underage drinking and ensure that alcohol is only sold to those who are old enough to purchase it.
Minister for Crime and Policing, Kit Malthouse, said:
“This new digital age verification system will make it easier and more convenient for people to prove their age when buying alcohol. It will also help to prevent underage drinking and ensure that alcohol is only sold to those who are old enough to purchase it.”
“This is a common-sense measure that will benefit both customers and businesses. It will reduce queues, improve customer experience and help to boost the high street and hospitality sectors.”
The new system will be voluntary for businesses to use. However, the government is encouraging businesses to adopt the system to help reduce underage drinking and improve customer experience.
The government has also announced that it will be working with the alcohol industry to develop a code of practice for the use of digital age verification systems. The code of practice will ensure that the systems are used in a fair and consistent manner.
The announcement has been welcomed by the alcohol industry. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said:
“We welcome the government’s announcement on digital age verification. This is a positive step that will help to reduce underage drinking and improve customer experience.”
“The BBPA has been working with the government and the alcohol industry to develop a code of practice for the use of digital age verification systems. We believe that this code of practice will ensure that the systems are used in a fair and consistent manner.”
The new digital age verification system is expected to be introduced in 2024.
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
GOV UK a new article on 2024-12-21 08:00 titled “Pubgoers given choice to prove age with phones next year in boost for high street and hospitality sectors”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
20